Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk, VA - Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC) hosted several events throughout the month of May 2026 for military and civilian personnel to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM).
The Navy and MARMC observe MHAM by emphasizing how mental health is integral to “total force readiness” and how the stigmas around seeking help need to be broken. At MARMC, all personnel have access to onsite counselors and a Navy Chaplain who are always ready and happy to help. Events hosted within MARMC included a pizza party with a dance floor where the counselors shared their encouragement and information about mental health advocacy.
MARMC’s participation in MHAM helps to foster a culture where the overall health of all personnel is treated as a top priority. Mental Health Awareness Month, which is celebrated in May of each year, has been observed since 1949. There are many major mental health-related organizations that are strong advocates for this cause.
During the events, counselors displayed posters with sticky notes participants could take with them with words of encouragement such as “you are never alone,” there were also posters they that they could write notes from others with quotes on such as; “you are capable of achieving your wildest dreams.” The events also included various other stickers, trinkets, food, and raffles for gifts.
These gestures, along with support from the MARMC counselors, are reminders of how imperative mental health is towards your overall wellbeing and the importance of speaking up against mental health stigmas.
For the 2026 MHAM, this year’s campaign focused on utilizing community support and breaking stigmas to ensure that no one struggles alone. This encourages people to address the importance of mental health, seeking help when needed, and showcasing that connection is key to breaking silence and healing from life’s adversity and struggles.
As one of MARMC’s counselors, Noelle Bice, said during the pizza party events, “Don’t wait until things feel overwhelming. Reaching out early-whether to a friend, leader, or counselor-can make a big difference.”
If you are in immediate need of support and are unable to reach help directly, you call or text “988” to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
| Date Taken: | 06.17.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 06.25.2026 12:24 |
| Story ID: | 568036 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 5 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, MARMC Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month - May 2026, by Rebecca Duxler, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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